Media City Groovehttp://www.mediacitygroove.com
Media City/Burbank l news l entertainment l features l opinion l and whatever sparks interestWed, 14 Feb 2018 01:23:59 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.480747069The Burbank Leader’s parent company soldhttp://www.mediacitygroove.com/news-general-info/the-burbank-leaders-parent-company-sold
Wed, 14 Feb 2018 00:54:29 +0000http://www.mediacitygroove.com/?p=34878A lot of chatter around the Southland and across the country about the sale of the embattled Los Angeles Times, the parent company of The Burbank Leader. Last Wednesday it was announced local billionaire/investor/philanthropist, Patrick Soon-Shiong, had agreed to buy the Times, the San Diego Tribune, and the California News Group for “$500 million in cash plus the assumption of $90 million in pension liabilities.” New owner for The Los Angeles Times Soon-Shiong made the deal with Tronc Inc, a Chicago-based media company. The Times will be locally owned for the first... Read More →

A lot of chatter around the Southland and across the country about the sale of the embattled Los Angeles Times, the parent company of The Burbank Leader. Last Wednesday it was announced local billionaire/investor/philanthropist, Patrick Soon-Shiong, had agreed to buy the Times, the San Diego Tribune, and the California News Group for “$500 million in cash plus the assumption of $90 million in pension liabilities.”

New owner for The Los Angeles Times

Soon-Shiong made the deal with Tronc Inc, a Chicago-based media company. The Times will be locally owned for the first time since it was sold by the Chandler family to Tronc’s predecessor, the Tribune Company, back in 2000. The Times has been in almost a constant state of upheaval over the past few years with cutbacks, layoffs, and a revolving door management. The stellar reputation of the Times as a powerhouse in newspaper journalism suffered. It is hoped the return to local ownership will bring much-needed stability and solid leadership. Here’s what some of its readers had to say about the deal.

The Burbank Leader

Also, the Leader could use some guidance. For quite a while, the Leader’s presence has been shrinking in its hometown. Who can forget a previous editor’s decision to remove all the Leader news racks from the streets. Now, other publications like the LA Weekly, The Tolucan Times, and the Burbank Independent are easier to find in the Media City than the Leader.

Oh, you can still find the Leader inside the Times on Wednesdays and Saturdays. However it can be pricey. I bought last Saturday’s edition of the Times at 7-Eleven and paid three dollars!

Also, when you open up the Leader, you quickly discover it’s very thin, not a lot to read. Perhaps, that will change with the new ownership.

Soon-Shiong makes a pledge

Soon-Shiong, a major stockholder in Tronc since 2016, said in a news release: “We look forward to continuing the great tradition of award-winning journalism carried out by the reporters and editors of the Los Angeles Times, The San Diego Union-Tribune and the other California News Group titles.”

Born in South Africa, the former surgeon/UCLA professor has made a name for himself and huge amounts of money in medicine and research. Also, Dr. Soon-Shiong owns a stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, another local entity which has floundered and is now attempting to regain some of its former glory.

]]>Leader-and-Times-021018Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G --The Los Angles Times and The Burbank Leader Saturday, February 10, 201834878Burbank float a winner in 2018 Rose Paradehttp://www.mediacitygroove.com/news-general-info/burbank-float-a-winner-in-2018-rose-parade
Mon, 01 Jan 2018 19:24:34 +0000http://www.mediacitygroove.com/?p=34832The Burbank Rose Parade float came up a winner in Pasadena today. The 2018 entry, “Sand-Sational Helpers,” won the Founder Award for most outstanding float built and decorated by volunteers from a community or organization. The float showcases recycling with the depiction of sea creatures doing their share. The theme of the 129th Rose Parade was “Making a Difference.” There were 50 entries in the 2018 Burbank Float design contest. The winning entry came from Catherine Summer Glandon, a young teenager born in Burbank, and Frederick Fraleigh an artist who works in the... Read More →

The Burbank Rose Parade float came up a winner in Pasadena today. The 2018 entry, “Sand-Sational Helpers,” won the Founder Award for most outstanding float built and decorated by volunteers from a community or organization. The float showcases recycling with the depiction of sea creatures doing their share. The theme of the 129th Rose Parade was “Making a Difference.”

There were 50 entries in the 2018 Burbank Float design contest. The winning entry came from Catherine Summer Glandon, a young teenager born in Burbank, and Frederick Fraleigh an artist who works in the Hollywood film industry. More on the designers and their winning float here

]]>Bfloat-sand-2018Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- Burbank float "Sand-Sational Helpers" appeared in the 129th Rose Parade in Pasadena January 1, 201834832City Buzz: New retail outlets, restaurants, and a chance to be on TVhttp://www.mediacitygroove.com/news-general-info/city-buzz-new-retail-outlets-restaurants-and-a-chance-to-be-on-tv
Mon, 11 Dec 2017 21:21:57 +0000http://www.mediacitygroove.com/?p=34721Target Magnolia Park construction underway A lot of construction at the site of the new Target store on Hollywood Way in Magnolia Park lately. The project apparently was hung up in plan check for a while, but now appears to be racing to meet a 2018 opening. This Target store is a new design, smaller than usual. It will be approximately 24,750 square feet. Still, there reportedly will be room for quite a lot of merchandise including fresh groceries, men’s and women’s apparel, some children’s and baby products, home décor, health... Read More →

Target Magnolia Park construction underway

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G — Construction underway at the new Target site 1033 North Hollywood Way Burbank November 28, 2017

A lot of construction at the site of the new Target store on Hollywood Way in Magnolia Park lately. The project apparently was hung up in plan check for a while, but now appears to be racing to meet a 2018 opening.

This Target store is a new design, smaller than usual. It will be approximately 24,750 square feet. Still, there reportedly will be room for quite a lot of merchandise including fresh groceries, men’s and women’s apparel, some children’s and baby products, home décor, health and beauty products and tech accessories. Also, this Target will include a CVS pharmacy.

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G — Home of the new Target in Magnolia Park 1033 North Hollywood Way Burbank 91505

Target Magnolia Park is due to open in March of 2018.

Hangar Grille closes to re-open as Rocky’s Family Bar & Grill

The Hangar Grille wrapped up its final meal at 3821 West Magnolia Blvd. last month on Wednesday, November 22, with a Thanksgiving feast for $10 a head. A post on its Facebook Page announced the restaurant change from the Hangar Grille to Rocky’s Family Bar & Grill. Rocky’s planning to open soon … possibly this month.

The Hangar Grille team apparently will now focus all efforts on its second and more popular restaurant, Tequilas Cantina & Grill nearby at 4310 West Magnolia Blvd.

Naimie’s Beauty Center coming to Magnolia Park

Construction is underway at 2721 West Magnolia Blvd. Los Angeles County records indicate the structure is 14, 396 square feet. The parcel is 33, 625 square feet, including 44 parking spaces. This is going to be a new outlet for Naimies Beauty Center, which has several other stores locally. Burbank Community Development Director, Patrick Prescott, says,”… a post-production/office use is being replaced with retail. That’s a good sign for Magnolia Park and suggest that in spite of the changing face of brick and mortar retail there are some products that still do well in a traditional storefront.”

Naimie General Manager, Aram Kaloustain, told Media City Groove the site was chosen because they “… wanted a location close to the studios and (with) high visibility…”Also, Kaloustain said in an email, construction is moving right along and “… expected to open the Burbank location by spring 2018 and plan to hire about a dozen new employees initially.”

A Chance to be on TV

Planning on doing some remodeling in your home and would love to have designer-pros, Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, do it right? Well, the TLC show, “Nate & Jeremiah by Design” just might be interested in giving you a helping hand. You must have a budget of at least $75,000 and be a homeowner in the Greater Los Angeles area. There are some other qualifications, so check them out here if you are interested. I got notice of this casting call a few weeks back… so if you really want to submit to this show… jump on it now!

]]>Target-construction-112817Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Construction underway at the new Target site 1033 North Hollywood Way Burbank November 28, 2017Target-site-wide-shot-112817Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Home of the new Target in Magnolia Park 1033 North Hollywood Way Burbank 91505Rocky’s-new-location–1217Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Rocky's Family Bar & Grill 3821 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank December 4, 2017Naimies-under-construction-1117Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Naimies Beauty Center under construction at 2721 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank November 17, 2017Nate-and-Jeremiah-designers-flyer34721Crime Watch: Armed robbery suspect, Burbank crime seminarhttp://www.mediacitygroove.com/news-general-info/crime-watch-armed-robbery-suspect-burbank-crime-seminar
Mon, 04 Dec 2017 18:15:42 +0000http://www.mediacitygroove.com/?p=34753A suspect is in custody today in connection with a string of armed robberies in North Hollywood and Burbank. Three law enforcement agencies worked together to bring about the arrest of 37 year-old Michael Clouse of Georgia. After being alerted by both Burbank and North Hollywood Police, the LAPD arrested Clouse outside a North Hollywood hotel in 1100 block of Vanowen Street, last Thursday, November 30. Then, Burbank Police detectives served a search warrant on a hotel room linked to Clouse. They reportedly discovered “clothing he wore in the Burbank... Read More →

A suspect is in custody today in connection with a string of armed robberies in North Hollywood and Burbank. Three law enforcement agencies worked together to bring about the arrest of 37 year-old Michael Clouse of Georgia. After being alerted by both Burbank and North Hollywood Police, the LAPD arrested Clouse outside a North Hollywood hotel in 1100 block of Vanowen Street, last Thursday, November 30.

Then, Burbank Police detectives served a search warrant on a hotel room linked to Clouse. They reportedly discovered “clothing he wore in the Burbank robberies,” according to a BPD news release.

Surveillance photo courtesy Burbank Police

Clouse is suspected of being the armed man, caught on video, robbing a Subway at 531 North Hollywood Way. He demanded money and the employees complied. A few minutes later, the suspect reportedly walked into a nearby 7-Eleven at 600 North Hollywood Way. A BPD news release says: “The suspect approached the clerk, tapped the barrel of the handgun on the counter and demanded money. ” The clerk handed over the money. No word, on how much cash the suspect got away with in both robberies.

Also, the release states the suspect is connected to “at least two other robberies of 7-Eleven stores in the North Hollywood area.”

Clouse is now being held on $200,000 bail. He is due in court today, Monday, December 4.

Merchant Crime Prevention Seminar

As reported here, there’s a growing concern among merchants and business owners about the seemingly increasing number of recent robberies and burglaries in the Media City. The Burbank Police Department is hosting a crime prevention seminar for Burbank merchants on Wednesday, December 6. Time 6-7:30 pm at the Burbank PD. Attendance is restricted. It’s limited to 75 business owners or their employees. Also, registration is required.

]]>711-arned-robbery-suspect-112717Surveillance photo courtesy Burbank PoliceBurbank-Subway-Rob-suspect-112717Surveillance photo courtesy Burbank PoliceBurb-merchants-crime-seminar-poster234753Letter: Happy Thanksgiving wishes from Bob Frutoshttp://www.mediacitygroove.com/news-general-info/letter-happy-thanksgiving-wishes-from-bob-frutos
Mon, 20 Nov 2017 15:58:29 +0000http://www.mediacitygroove.com/?p=34697“Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays.” It is time to reflect on all of the blessings for which I am thankful. I am thankful for another good year of health for myself and my family. I am continually honored and blessed to serve as your council member of our great city. I am also thankful for so many residents who care for our community and get involved in our local government. It is because of your love and dedication that makes this a great community. I am thankful for the dedicated employees that work hard, especially our Police and Fire Departments for keeping our... Read More →

“Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays.”

It is time to reflect on all of the blessings for which I am thankful.

I am thankful for another good year of health for myself and my family. I am continually honored and blessed to serve as your council member of our great city. I am also thankful for so many residents who care for our community and get involved in our local government. It is because of your love and dedication that makes this a great community.

I am thankful for the dedicated employees that work hard, especially our Police and Fire Departments for keeping our city safe. I am thankful for the men and women who sacrifice so much to keep us free.

I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and a Happy and safe Holiday Season.

]]>Bob-Frutos-council-meeting-34697More Magnolia Park businesses fall victim to crimehttp://www.mediacitygroove.com/news-general-info/more-magnolia-park-businesses-fall-victim-to-crime
Sat, 11 Nov 2017 01:14:22 +0000http://www.mediacitygroove.com/?p=34651More Magnolia Park businesses fall victim to crime. The list keeps growing. The latest, Rocket Fizz and T-Mobile. Both break-ins occurred last weekend. The soda pop and candy shop at 3524 West Magnolia Blvd. was targeted by a theft on November 3, between 9:30 pm and 7:30 am. “A suspect smashed the store’s front window. The suspect then entered the store and stole a cash register drawer containing cash. The cash drawer was found a short distance away from the store, but the money was missing. ” according to Sergeant... Read More →

More Magnolia Park businesses fall victim to crime. The list keeps growing. The latest, Rocket Fizz and T-Mobile. Both break-ins occurred last weekend.

The soda pop and candy shop at 3524 West Magnolia Blvd. was targeted by a theft on November 3, between 9:30 pm and 7:30 am. “A suspect smashed the store’s front window. The suspect then entered the store and stole a cash register drawer containing cash. The cash drawer was found a short distance away from the store, but the money was missing. ” according to Sergeant Derek Green, Burbank Police PIO.

T-Mobile 3816 West Magnolia Blvd. was burglarized on Saturday, November 4, at 3:46 am. Again, the crime began with the suspect smashing the front window. Sgt. Green says, “The suspect then entered the store and stole three cash register drawers which contained cash. No phones were reported stolen… It is almost certain that these two crimes are related and were committed by the same suspect.”

Recently, Handy Market 2514 West Magnolia Blvd> had its front door boarded up after a “smash and grab” burglary. Sgt. Green explained in an email: “This occurred on September 30, 2017 at about 3:40 A.M. A suspect shattered the front glass entrance door, entered the store, and stole cartons of cigarettes and bottles of alcohol. The suspect was captured on surveillance footage and was described as an African American man wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black gloves, black boots, with a black and white scarf tied around his face. Only one suspect was seen and no money was taken.” However, investigators did find a crowbar near the scene.

Over the past few months, Magnolia Park has been the scene of numerous burglaries, robberies, and break-ins. No wonder some merchants in the district feel like it’s a crime wave. Sgt. Green understands why: “It certainly seems as though Magnolia Park has been a target for thieves lately. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this trend not only in the Magnolia Park area, but citywide in our various merchant districts.”

Burbank Police encourages businesses to take extra measures to protect their stores. Sgt. Green says the BPD suggests “… using crime deterrent mechanisms (e.g., video surveillance and alarm systems) and traditional methods to thwart criminal activity (adequate lighting, heavy duty locks, keeping clear visibility from the street, etc.). We also want to remind businesses not to leave cash inside registers overnight or during non-business hours. Hardening the target and minimizing the appeal are both critical in preventing theft.”

]]>Rocket-Fizz-110817Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Rocket Fizz 3524 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank November 8, 2017T-Mobile-Mag-Park-110917Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- T-Mobile 3816 West Magnolia Blvd. BurbankHandy-Market111017Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Handy Market 2514 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank34651Burbank Mayor Rogers reducing activities due to liver cancer diagnosishttp://www.mediacitygroove.com/news-general-info/burbank-mayor-rogers-reducing-activities-due-to-liver-cancer-diagnosis
Thu, 21 Sep 2017 18:38:07 +0000http://www.mediacitygroove.com/?p=34569Burbank Mayor, Will Rogers, reducing activities due to liver cancer diagnosis. Mayor Rogers, a city council member since 2015, made the disclosure yesterday in a rare news conference in front of the City Hall entrance on East Olive Avenue. The announcement did not come as a shock. Rumors, whispers, and innuendos about Rogers’ health have been circulating for months. Rogers acknowledged publicly for the first time: “My cancer is at stage four… like every one of us here today… I don’t know today if I have another week or another five... Read More →

Burbank Mayor, Will Rogers, reducing activities due to liver cancer diagnosis. Mayor Rogers, a city council member since 2015, made the disclosure yesterday in a rare news conference in front of the City Hall entrance on East Olive Avenue. The announcement did not come as a shock. Rumors, whispers, and innuendos about Rogers’ health have been circulating for months.

Rogers acknowledged publicly for the first time: “My cancer is at stage four… like every one of us here today… I don’t know today if I have another week or another five weeks.” Roger’s city council colleagues, Jess Talamantes, Vice Mayor, Emily Gabel-Luddy, Sharon Springer, and Bob Frutos stood behind the mayor as a show of support. Other city officials and employees were in the audiences including City Attorney, Amy Albano, City Clerk, Zizette Mullins, City Treasurer, Debbie Kukta, and Community Development Director, Patrick Prescott.

Rogers’ battle with cancer

This health situation has been an uphill battle for the mayor: “Over the last two years, I have been diagnosed four times and within a week later was then diagnosed cancer free. I’m also diagnosed with non-alcoholic cirrhosis but not hepatitis, which is normally associated with this type of cancer.” Rogers says he doesn’t want to make himself the “center of sympathy or concern,” because there are “many people so much worse off than me.”

In terms of treatment, a transplant is not a viable option nor is traditional chemotherapy. Rogers is reportedly taking part in drug trials and immuno-therapy.

Rogers to reduce mayoral duties

“It remains my intent to continue serving as mayor. I simply won’t be attending as many events as I typically do.” Rogers explained. Vice-Mayor Gabel-Luddy spoke for the rest of the council and said we “will continue to support him 150 percent.”

]]>Will-Rogers-news-conf—092017Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Mayor Will Rogers discloses liver cancer diagnosis at news conference in front of City Hall in Burbank September 20, 2017EGL-mayor’s-news-conf–092017Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Vice-Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy spoke at Mayor's news conference at City Hall Burbank September 20, 2017WRogers-at-news-conf–092017Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Mayor Will Rodgers gestures to well wishers after news conference at City Hall in Burbank September 20, 201734569Updated: Pedestrian killed in fatal collision in front of Disney Studioshttp://www.mediacitygroove.com/news-general-info/pedestrian-killed-in-fatal-collision-in-front-of-disney-studios
Thu, 07 Sep 2017 23:39:02 +0000http://www.mediacitygroove.com/?p=34527A fatal collision in front of the Walt Disney Studios on West Alameda Avenue in Burbank this morning, left one person dead. The fatality was a pedestrian. The tragic accident occurred just after 9 a.m. “A female adult was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk at Alameda Ave. and Lincoln St. Two male adult occupants from that vehicle have been detained by police. Alcohol and/or drugs appear to be a factor,” said Burbank Police spokesman, Sergeant Derek Green, in an email to Media City... Read More →

A fatal collision in front of the Walt Disney Studios on West Alameda Avenue in Burbank this morning, left one person dead. The fatality was a pedestrian. The tragic accident occurred just after 9 a.m. “A female adult was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk at Alameda Ave. and Lincoln St. Two male adult occupants from that vehicle have been detained by police. Alcohol and/or drugs appear to be a factor,” said Burbank Police spokesman, Sergeant Derek Green, in an email to Media City Groove. Burbank Police conducted a DUI investigation.

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G — Damaged vehicles at the scene of fatal collision on West Alameda Avenue in Burbank September 7, 2017

The vehicle, which allegedly struck the pedestrian, reportedly “careened into three other vehicles” after hitting the victim. She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as Michelle Landes, 64, of Los Angeles.

Alameda Avenue between Buena Vista Street and Keystone Street was closed for the police investigation. Traffic was diverted to side streets and back alleys. That stretch of Alameda Avenue was reopened just before 1 p.m.

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G — Police investigation at the scene of fatal collision in Burbank September 7, 2017

The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Stergios Economos, 37, of Burbank. Economos was arrested and booked into the Burbank City Jail for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. He is currently being held on $100,000 bail. Economos is due to appear in a Burbank court on Monday, September 11. The passenger in Economos vehicle was released. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to call the Burbank Police Traffic Bureau (818) 238-3100.

]]>Disney-fatal-traffic-ax—090717Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Fatal collision in front of Disney gate on West Alameda Ave. Burbank September 7, 2017cars-at-ax-scene–090717Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Damaged vehicles at the scene of fatal collision on West Alameda Avenue in Burbank September 7, 2017accident-investigation-090717Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Police investigation at the scene of fatal collision in Burbank September 7, 201734527Firefighters gain upper hand in battle against La Tuna Firehttp://www.mediacitygroove.com/news-general-info/firefighters-gain-upper-hand-in-battle-against-la-tuna-fire
Wed, 06 Sep 2017 06:50:49 +0000http://www.mediacitygroove.com/?p=34487The skies are clearer over the Verdugo Mountains and Burbank as firefighters gain the upper hand on the La Tuna Fire. The huge smoky clouds and, sometimes, flames we saw on those hills over the weekend are no longer visible, but fire officials say the threat is not over yet. The wildfire broke out Friday afternoon, September 1, near La Tuna Canyon Road in Sun Valley. Aided by swiftly changing winds, the flames went on a rampage. On Saturday, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti signed a declaration of local emergency... Read More →

The skies are clearer over the Verdugo Mountains and Burbank as firefighters gain the upper hand on the La Tuna Fire. The huge smoky clouds and, sometimes, flames we saw on those hills over the weekend are no longer visible, but fire officials say the threat is not over yet.

The wildfire broke out Friday afternoon, September 1, near La Tuna Canyon Road in Sun Valley. Aided by swiftly changing winds, the flames went on a rampage. On Saturday, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti signed a declaration of local emergency paving the way for more resources to fight the La Tuna fire, believed to be one of the largest, in terms of acreage, in Los Angeles city history.

On Sunday, Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles County due to the La Tuna Fire. More than a thousand firefighters helped beat back the flames and douse hot spots. Fire crews were fighting the winds, heat, and very humid conditions as well. Then, they got a break from the weather at around 1:pm in the form of a quick burst of rain. More episodes of light showers and somewhat cooler temperatures gave the fire fighting effort a boost.

Emergency Shelter

That afternoon, I checked out the disaster relief shelter set up by the Red Cross at McCambridge Recreation Center on Glenoaks Blvd. in Burbank .

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G — Disaster relief center for those forced to evacuate their homes set up by Red Cross at McCambridge Recreation Center 1515 North Glenoaks Blvd Burbank September 3, 2017

There weren’t any evacuees on site Sunday, but apparently the shelter had been used.

Mimi Teller, Public Relations for American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles, said they had “12 people” overnight and on Saturday, when mandatory evacuations were in effect, the shelter was buzzing with fire victims and activity.

Monday – Labor Day

By Labor Day, most of the flames appeared to be out, but the scarred Verdugo hillsides still smoldered. All evacuations were lifted and a section of the 210 freeway in the Sunland-Tujunga area, shut down by the fire, was reopened. During the long holiday weekend, several hundred residents in Los Angeles, Burbank, and Glendale had to evacuate. Most, but not all, returned to find their homes safe.

Tuesday Update

At a morning media briefing today, Captain Erik Scott, Los Angeles Fire Department, said the flames came within 200 feet of about 1400 structures. Unfortunately, five homes, including a mobile home, were destroyed along with five other structures, such as garages and sheds. There were 8 injuries, most minor or heat related.

The fire fight has moved into the containment stage with hand crews. “We have an army of boots on the ground, that are down and dirty,doing a great job in very rugged and remote terrain,” according to Captain Scott.

Late Tuesday, containment was raised to 80 percent with 7,194 acres burned. Around 1,615 acres were scorched in Burbank. A little over 700 firefighters are still on site. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. No word yet on when the mopping up effort will be completed.

]]>hills-behind-Sears—–090517Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Verdugo Mountains behind Sears 111 East Magnolia Blvd. Burbank September 5, 2017smoke-and-fire-in-hills-090317Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Smoke and some fire in the Verdugo Mountains above Downtown Burbank September 3, 2017mccambridge-center-shelter-Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Disaster relief center for those forced to evacuate their homes set up by Red Cross at McCambridge Recreation Center 1515 North Glenoaks Blvd Burbank September 3, 2017Mimi-Teller-Red-Cross–0903Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Mimi Teller, Public Relations American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles at disaster shelter for fire victims in Burbank September 3, 201734487Hazy skies over Burbank due to wildfirehttp://www.mediacitygroove.com/news-general-info/hazy-skies-over-burbank-due-to-wildfire
Sat, 02 Sep 2017 19:08:35 +0000http://www.mediacitygroove.com/?p=34465Hazy skies over Burbank due to that wildfire burning in the Verdugo Mountains today. The smoke and ash prompted a recommendation from the Burbank Police Department. “The air quality outside is bad. With temperatures expected to reach the triple digits once again today, we are asking people to please stay indoors and limit your recreational activities. Keep pets indoors and take care of each other,” said BPD spokesman, Sergeant Derek Green, in an email. The fire broke out near 10800 block of La Tuna Canyon Road in Sun Valley at... Read More →

Hazy skies over Burbank due to that wildfire burning in the Verdugo Mountains today. The smoke and ash prompted a recommendation from the Burbank Police Department. “The air quality outside is bad. With temperatures expected to reach the triple digits once again today, we are asking people to please stay indoors and limit your recreational activities. Keep pets indoors and take care of each other,” said BPD spokesman, Sergeant Derek Green, in an email.

Photo: FLLewis / Media City G — A tower of smoke and flames from the La Tuna fire as seen from the area of Burbank Blvd. and Hollywood Way late afternoon September 1, 2017

The fire broke out near 10800 block of La Tuna Canyon Road in Sun Valley at around 1:30 p.m. yesterday. It quickly grew from a few acres to 500 acres by late afternoon, forcing the closure of a nearby section of the 210 freeway. The tower of smoke and flames from the fire, dubbed the La Tuna Fire, could be seen for miles around.

The fast-moving fire continued to rage through the evening and grow with the aid of hot dry conditions and erratic winds. Soon the wildfire was up to 1,500 acres and now 5,000 acres. Late last night, the fire began to threaten Burbank — evacuation orders were issued for some neighborhoods and the DeBell Golf course was closed.

]]>Wildfire-haze-over-Burbank-Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- Wildfire haze over Burbank from West Olive Avenue near Victory Blvd. September 2, 2017Fire-from-Burbank-Blvd–090Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- A tower of smoke and flames from the La Tuna fire as seen from the area of Burbank Blvd. and Hollywood Way late afternoon September 1, 2017Fire-behind-Burbank-homes–Photo: FLLewis / Media City G -- View of La Tuna Fire near Pacific Avenue and Naomi Street in Burbank September 1, 2017Fire-from-Pavilions-parkingPhoto: FLLewis / Media City G -- La Tuna Fire shot from Vons Pavilions parking lot at 1110 West Alameda Ave. Burbank September 1, 201734465